Let's Take This Offline

Credibility with the C-suite is built over time through commercial fluency, disciplined inquiry and a deep understanding of how people strategy drives business performance.

In this episode, we explore what it truly takes to be seen as a trusted advisor at the executive table. Joining us are two exceptional leaders from Mirvac.

First, Susan Lloyd-Hurwitz AM – former CEO and Managing Director of Mirvac, and now Chair and Board Member with INSEAD, Rio Tinto, the Australian National Housing Supply and Affordability Council, Macquarie Group, and The Australian Centre for Gender Equality and Inclusion at Work.

She’s joined by Ben Morris MAHRI, Mirvac’s Group Head of HR. Together, Susan and Ben unpack the practical skills and behaviours that help HR practitioners build credibility and influence with the C-suite – and share insights into how HR can enhance its strategic impact in the boardroom.

Related AHRI learning:

• HR Certification – https://bit.ly/4qoPtip
• The Strategic HR Leader short course – https://bit.ly/47IUQ4o
• Leadership and Management Essentials – https://bit.ly/42XC9aH
• Micro-credential: Business Strategy and Culture Leadership – https://bit.ly/3J3E0nH

Connect with AHRI and our guests:

• Join the AHRI LinkedIn Lounge – exclusive to members for access to bonus content and discussions – https://bit.ly/3JxmZSR
• Follow AHRI on LinkedIn – https://bit.ly/43kLXf9
• Susan Lloyd-Hurwitz AM – https://bit.ly/4oDaRhV
• Ben Morris – https://bit.ly/48JnfbJ

Many employees are quietly cracking, according to new research. Beneath the surface of professionalism and productivity, one in two Australian workers report they’re struggling to hold it all together. The drivers are complex, from the rising cost of living to poorly managed change, but the consequences are clear: declining wellbeing, lower engagement and higher risk of burnout.

In this episode, Dr Michelle McQuaid joins host Tani Jacobi CPHR to unpack the latest research on quiet cracking and what HR and business leaders can do to strengthen resilience, civility and trust in uncertain times.

Michelle shares evidence-based insights into how psychosocial hazards, AI adoption and global volatility are reshaping how people feel and perform at work – and how leaders can respond with both humanity and rigour.

Learning:

• Explore AHRI’s micro-credential in health, safety and wellbeing: https://bit.ly/3WKSYSy
• Short course: Driving engagement and performance during change – https://bit.ly/4qiHFyw
• Short course: Implementing wellbeing initiatives – https://bit.ly/471SHAF

Further reading:

• Explore Dr Michelle McQuaid’s research on wellbeing and performance: michellemcquaid.com/research

Connect:

• Connect with Michelle McQuaid on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/chellemcquaid
• Follow AHRI on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/ahri
• AHRI members can join the AHRI LinkedIn Lounge to access bonus content and continue the discussion: linkedin.com/groups/13848256

The Australian HR Institute has some fantastic guests lined up for season five of Let's Take This Offline, including Susan Lloyd-Hurwitz, Benjamin Morris, Dr Michelle McQuaid, Professor Sharon Parker and Kate Bravery.

Subscribe today so you don't miss an episode.

AHRI members can gain access to exclusive bonus content. Become a member today so you don't miss out: www.ahri.com.au/ahri-membership

Most leaders agree that culture drives performance – but too often, it's reduced to a values exercise rather than a measurable, strategic asset. The reality is that negative workplace behaviours are among the strongest predictors of attrition, reputational damage and productivity decline. And in many cases, the warning signs are visible long before the damage becomes public.

In this episode, we’re joined by Charlie Sull – a globally recognised expert in corporate culture and AI. As co-founder of CultureX and a regular contributor to MIT Sloan Management Review, Charlie draws on one of the world’s largest workplace culture datasets to help organisations decode what’s really happening inside their walls – and take action where it matters most.

He shares why culture must be measured and managed with the same rigour as financial or operational performance, and how AI is transforming the way we understand workplace dynamics.

Thank you to HR Partner for sponsoring this season. If you want to explore a simple HR solution that streamlines your HR admin, you can book a demo today: https://bit.ly/4dAYxug

SHOW NOTES

Learning:

• Learn how to understand the basics of generative AI for HR with this short course from AHRI: https://bit.ly/40221k4
• Explore CultureX's thought leadership and culture champion profiles: blog.culturex.com

Connect:

• Connect with Charlie on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/4kTMV8H
• Connect with AHRI on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/4kAaLWJ
• AHRI members can join the AHRI LinkedIn lounge, exclusive to AHRI members to discuss some of the themes explored in this episode with their HR peers and access bonus content. Become a member today: https://bit.ly/41tcOFu

In a world of constant disruption, HR leaders are being asked to help people build the mindsets needed to navigate change. In this episode, leadership expert Richard Gerver — a former award-winning principal turned advisor to global organisations like Google and Deloitte — shares how HR can lead with curiosity, create psychological safety and offer stability during times of uncertainty.

This conversation offers a taste of what Richard will expand on at AHRI’s National Convention and Exhibition in Sydney this August.

Thank you to HR Partner for sponsoring this season. If you want to explore a simple HR solution that streamlines your HR admin, you can book a demo today: https://bit.ly/4dAYxug

SHOW NOTES

Learning opportunities:

• Get your ticket to AHRI's National Convention and Exhibition to hear more from Richard: https://bit.ly/4dUw42M
• Sign up to AHRI's short course to learn how to identify the change lifecycle steps required to effectively manage change using effective change management model and frameworks: https://bit.ly/3Ti5mHY
• Explore Richard's books: Change, Learn to Love it, Learn to Lead it; Simple Thinking; Education: a Manifesto for Change; and Creating Tomorrow's Schools Today.

Connect:

• Connect with Richard on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3FR2YF0
• Connect with AHRI on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/4kAaLWJ
• AHRI members can join the AHRI LinkedIn lounge, exclusive to AHRI members to discuss some of the themes explored in this episode with their HR peers and access bonus content. Become a member today: https://bit.ly/41tcOFu

Engaging with the board is a critical skill for HR leaders — but navigating board dynamics isn’t always straightforward.

In this episode, we’re joined by Dr Juliet Bourke, a global authority on human capital, inclusive leadership and governance. With experience advising hundreds of organisations — including Apple, the UN and BHP — and a decade as a Deloitte Partner, Juliet brings rare insight into what boards expect from HR.

Whether you’re board-facing now or preparing for the future, this episode will help you sharpen your strategic edge.

Thank you to HR Partner for sponsoring this season. If you want to explore a simple HR solution that streamlines your HR admin, you can book a demo today: https://bit.ly/4dAYxug

SHOW NOTES:

Learning opportunities:

• Give your HR leadership a point of difference by becoming a Certified HR practitioner: https://bit.ly/3MZnnre
• Transition from operational responsibilities to visionary leadership with AHRI's Strategic HR Leader short course: https://bit.ly/4kpDqxL
• Learn how to overcome stakeholder resistance with this short course from AHRI: https://bit.ly/3MR1dro

More resources:

• Green shoots for change in the boardroom report (Deloitte, 2023): https://bit.ly/3ZOP397
• Read DrJuliet's book: Which Two Heads Are Better Than One? : https://bit.ly/4mLIIoW
• The value of HR leadership at a board level (HRMOnline by Samantha Martin-Williams): https://bit.ly/4kql5AR

Connect:

• Follow Dr Juliet Bourke on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3T8f5R0
•  AHRI members can join the AHRI LinkedIn lounge, exclusive to AHRI members to discuss some of the themes explored in this episode with their HR peers and access bonus content. Become a member today: https://bit.ly/41tcOFu

Feelings of self-doubt are not uncommon – especially for leaders stepping into more senior roles or navigating spaces where they don’t fit the conventional mould. But what if impostor syndrome wasn’t a weakness to correct, but a signal of growth? And more importantly, what if it could be reframed as a leadership asset?

In this episode, we’re joined by Kemi Nekvapil – a globally recognised leadership coach, author and keynote speaker who has guided thousands of leaders to find their voice, lead with conviction and build authentic presence. She will also be taking the stage at AHRI’s National Convention and Exhibition this August in Sydney.

If you’re looking to lead with greater confidence and clarity, this conversation offers the tools to get you there.

Thank you to HR Partner for sponsoring this season. If you want to explore a simple HR solution that streamlines your HR admin, you can book a demo today: https://bit.ly/4dAYxug

SHOW NOTES

Hear more from Kemi Nekvapil at AHRI's National Convention and Exhibition in Sydney from 19-21 August 2025. Register today: https://bit.ly/3HbrcKl

Further learning:

• Give your HR leadership a point of difference by becoming a Certified HR practitioner: https://bit.ly/3MZnnre
• Learn leadership and management essentials with this short course from AHRI:
• https://bit.ly/3U1REKj
• Explore Kemi's books 'POWER' and 'The Gift of Asking': https://bit.ly/3Fk3gUI

Connect with your peers:

• AHRI members can join the AHRI LinkedIn lounge, exclusive to AHRI members to discuss some of the themes explored in this episode with their HR peers. Become a member today: https://bit.ly/41tcOFu
• Follow AHRI on LinkedIn for more useful content: https://bit.ly/40Nu2wG

This episode delves into the journey from HR leader to non-HR executive, exploring how to blend the strengths of HR expertise with the commercial and operational capabilities needed to lead organisations.

Chris Lamb FCPHR, former Deputy Commissioner of the New South Wales Public Service Commission, reflects on his four-year tenure in the role and shares key lessons from his transition to non-HR C-suite leadership.

Discover practical insights to help you prepare for a non-HR leadership position and unlock your potential for broader organisational impact.

SHOW NOTES

Further learning:

• Give your HR leadership a point of difference by becoming a Certified HR practitioner: https://bit.ly/3MZnnre
• Help to support HR leaders of the future or learn from a seasoned HR practitioner to prepare for your next step by signing up to AHRI's mentoring program (exclusive to AHRI members): https://bit.ly/3PSP2M7
• Learn leadership and management essentials with this short course from AHRI:
• https://bit.ly/3U1REKj

Connect with your peers:

• AHRI members can join the AHRI LinkedIn lounge, exclusive to AHRI members to discuss some of the themes explored in this episode with their HR peers. Become a member today: https://bit.ly/41tcOFu
• Follow AHRI on LinkedIn for more useful content: https://bit.ly/40Nu2wG

In the world of HR, change is often seen as a catalyst for innovation and growth. But HR leaders also need to champion stability without stifling progress. In this episode, we explore themes from Ashley Goodall’s latest book, The Problem with Change, which challenges the assumption that constant disruption is always beneficial for business. 

Goodall draws on his extensive experience leading people and learning functions at Deloitte and Cisco, offering practical examples and fresh insights into how perpetual change can erode employee wellbeing and performance. This is a must-listen episode for HR and business leaders alike.

Show notes

Resources and learning

AHRI members can join the AHRI LinkedIn lounge, exclusive to AHRI members to discuss some of the themes explored in this episode with their HR peers. Become a member today: https://bit.ly/41tcOFu

Learn how to manage change more effectively with this short course from AHRI: https://bit.ly/3Drj9Hw

Further reading

Explore Ashley Goodall's latest book: The Problem with Change And The Essential Nature of Human Performance: https://bit.ly/4gNCMIp

Explore Ashley Goodall's book 'Nine Lies About Work', co-authored with Marcus Buckingham: https://bit.ly/4iLbKmr

A Radical Rethink of HR (MIT Sloan article) by Ashley Goodall: https://bit.ly/4iKYcre

In this episode, we unpack the shift from viewing psychosocial safety as a compliance exercise to embracing it as a strategic imperative. Tanya Heaney-Voogt, a mentally healthy workplaces expert, shares how HR practitioners can influence and enable organisations to create environments where employees feel supported, engaged and safe to speak up.

Listeners will gain practical advice on demystifying complex psychosocial concepts, fostering open dialogue and adopting sustainable work design practices. By focusing on long-term cultural and behavioral change, HR practitioners can better support leaders, balance performance pressures and enhance both people and business outcomes.

Free resources

AHRI members can join the AHRI LinkedIn lounge, exclusive to AHRI members, to access a range of free templates from Tanya, including a great 1 on 1 template and a 6-step change plan template.

Become a member today: https://bit.ly/41tcOFu

Cited research

• University of South Australia research which includes great proof-points for getting buy in psychosocial safety initiatives: https://bit.ly/4ffFzbS
• Amy Edmondson's research into psychological safety: https://bit.ly/3DcnIW4
• Michelle McQuaid's research into thriving work cultures: https://bit.ly/3Vz3Vq4
• Professor Sharon Parker's research into work design: https://bit.ly/41wJVZe
• Gallup State of the Global Workplace Report 2024:  https://bit.ly/3ZAuAEa

Further reading

•  Comcare code of Practice: https://bit.ly/41BISH8
• Tanya's books: Finding Equilibrium, Transforming Norm and Creating Space (coming soon: free download): https://bit.ly/3Df7s6U
• Good versus bad stress (HRM article): https://bit.ly/3Bs64x4